DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Saturday, December 30, 2023
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Daily Racing Form has served as the most trusted source of news and information about the sport since 1894, and moving forward we have decided to provide a free daily playbook – something that both hardcore horseplayers and casual observers can reference to get informed of each day’s action.
1:36 GP 4th OLYMPIC PRANK (#6, 12-1) has been away a long time since winning maiden in popular and impressive fashion around two turns on Tapeta with her most immediate victim that day, Solo Album, now a multiple graded stakes winner.. Back to the grass for return, a surface she handled well enough in career bow. Training forwardly. May not look back. – Mike Welsch
1:43 TAM 4th RASMALAI (#9, 9-2) can fire fresh, draws best, has some speed, owns a local win, and adds a full furlong. Maybe this mare even has some upside as this is only her 10th start even if she is a 6YO. – Scott Ehlers
2:14 AQU 5th DONTBELATE (#9, 10-1) just won going seven panels so today's half furlong cut back shouldn't be a problem. Did that sloppy track hurt three back? Those efforts before and after were just good. This gelding has some speed and draws outside main pace foes which should help the trip. Local tab is fine at 17-4-2-5. – Scott Ehlers
3:12 AQU 7th LA GROTTE (#9, 6-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Scott Ehlers).
4:02 GP 9th SARATOGA FLASH (#2, 8-1) has been given ample time off to recuperate from that 99 Beyer earned winning rich overnight handicap on Kentucky Downs turf, a race from which runner-up Siege of Boston returned to finish 2nd in G3 River City and Eons was runner-up next out in Japan Turf Cup at Laurel. Won only previous start over this course last winter. – Mike Welsch
4:18 OP 7th REAUX BINA (#12, 12-1) has recency on a number of these as she has been racing at Delta Downs. She was second against maiden rivals last time out and now gets a chance with Arkansas-bred maidens with the meet now on at Oaklawn. For this trip, REAUX BINA is cutting back to one turn. – Mary Rampellini
5:04 GP 11th A tough one to close out the day with tepid nod going to RED RUN (#8, 12-1) who is in good form since getting back on grass and back to winners circle late this summer winning key race, this distance, at CD. – Mike Welsch
5:59 SA 7th MIDNIGHT LOVE (#7, 5-1) returned to form last out with a creditable runner-up finish at Los Alamitos; the 2yo maiden-claiming sprinter runs back at virtually the same level, which is maiden-32. He finished in the money two previous springtime starts at Santa Anita. Tepid choice to post a minor upset in a wide-open race. – Brad Free